Going Raw?
If you were to eat seventy-five to one hundred percent raw food you would be considered a raw foodist and if this is your goal there are a few bits of information you ought to know.
Living a raw food life is not for everyone. Children and pregnant women and people with anemia are not recommended to go on this type of diet. If you are at risk of osteoperosis it is not reccommended because of the calcuim. It is thought that raw foodist had slightly lower bone mass. Living a raw food life can leave you deficient in certain areas. Calcium, iron, protein and calories.
The Benefits of the Raw Food Diet?
The benefits of going on a raw food diet are increased energy and your appearance looks fesher with an unblemished skin tone. You will feel the weight slip off and it will stay off as your eating habits change. You will be able to digest your food better. The health benefits can reduce the risk of heart disease and cut your fat intake because the raw food diet has fewer trans fats and saturated fat. It is low sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber and health-promoting plant chemicals called phytochemicals.
What can I eat on the Raw Food Diet?
When researching foods for the raw food diet look for unprocessed, preferably organic, whole foods at your grocery or market. Vegetables and fresh fruits, grains, beans, seeds, nuts, legumes, dried fruit, seaweed, unproessed organic or natural foods, fresh juices vegetable or fruit, purified water. Not heated over 116 degreesF.
If you are serious about your new diet you may want to purchase special equipment for specific cooking techniques that would make foods more digestible and add variety to the diet. A dehydrator which is a piece of equipment that blows air through food at a temperature of less than 116 degrees F. You can also benefit from a good-quality juice extractor for juicing fruit and vegetables. For easy chopping you can also benfit from a blender, food processor, or chopper to save you time.
Lastly as with all things there are side effects that accompany the raw food diet. Some people experience a detoxification reaction in the beginning. Mild headaches, nausea, and cravings can occur but usually only last for few days.
Good Luck! Erin
